Grief Management Bracelet

ABSTRACT

A grief management bracelet operable to assist a wearer in grieving for a loss of a loved wherein the grief management bracelet provides a plurality of discrete grieving periods during the wearing of the grief management bracelet. The grief management bracelet further includes an arm engaging member having a central zone adjacent to the outer surface of the wrist of a wearer. A central zone having a receptacle operable to store a small item is secured to the arm engaging member. A three dimensional thought provoking structure is integrally formed with a lid of the receptacle and is formed in an ornamental structure. The three dimensional thought provoking structure is positioned such that it will enter and exit the wearers field of vision throughout the period of wearing the grief management bracelet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to jewelry, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a grief management bracelet that is operable to carry a keepsake or other item and further includes a thought provoking ornament wherein the grief management bracelet facilitates a thought or memory of a person.

BACKGROUND

Many types of jewelry are known in the art. Across all cultures and countries jewelry is worn by men and women for many different reasons. Some jewelry is worn as a status symbol, while others don jewelry for special events or to take part in a ceremony. Many types of jewelry are often passed down to the next generation and regarded with pride and esteem by those receiving the bequeathed jewelry. The jewelry bequeathed to a person often provides a means to cope with the grief of having lost a loved one.

The grief of a lost loved one is a very painful experience. Every individual experiencing grief over a lost loved one manages their grief differently and progresses through a process on a personal timeline during their grieving. Grief management is important to execute as individuals cope with the gravity of having lost a loved one. Many items can be used to facilitate the grieving process such as but not limited to photos or jewelry. For the former, a photo can be used as a reminder of the lost individual and the grieving individual can glance thereupon and take time to remember and grieve the loss of the loved one. Many women will often keep their mother's wedding ring upon her passing as a means to remember and grieve the loss of their mother. Scientific studies have shown that each time an event is recalled about a lost loved one the mind rearranges the memory of the lost loved one until a settled acceptable state is reached whereupon the brain transitions to a tranquil state and a peace returns to the grieving person.

The challenge with the grieving process, is as the memories recalled during the grieving process continue, the person must go on about their daily routines. As the grieving person goes about their daily routine, they will have random finite thoughts about the lost loved one.

Accordingly, there is a need for jewelry that will be worn such that it transitions in and out of the wearer's field of vision, wherein the jewelry is operable to stimulate thoughts of a lost loved one and further is operable to retain and store a keepsake of the lost individual.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a grief management bracelet operable to assist a user in the grieving process that includes a circular element configured to be surroundably mounted to a user's wrist.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a grief management bracelet that includes a central zone with an exterior and interior surface wherein the interior surface is adapted to overly the skin of a user.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a grief management bracelet that is operable to assist a wearer in the grieving process wherein the central zone further includes a receptacle having an opening.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a grief management bracelet operable to assist a user in the grieving process that includes a movable top that provides access to the receptacle and controls the open or closed position of the receptacle.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a grief management bracelet that includes a three dimensional thought provoking ornament integrally formed to the movable top of the receptacle.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an alternative embodiment of the grief management bracelet that is adapted to be worn on a finger as a ring.

To the accomplishment the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a grief management bracelet 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2 herein, the grief management bracelet 100 includes an arm-engaging member 10. The arm-engaging member 10 is constructed of a suitable durable material and is formed in a generally annular shape having opening 15 and center aperture 17. The arm-engaging member 10 functions to releasably secure the grief management bracelet 100 to the outer surface of the wrist area of a user. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the arm-engaging member 10 could be constructed in numerous different manners and materials in order to achieve the intended functionality described herein. By way of example, but not by way of limitation, as shown in particular in FIG. 2 herein, the arm-engaging member 10 could be formed from a resilient metal allowing a user to opposedly move the first portion 9 and second portion 11 in order to expand the width of opening 15 for insertion of a portion of a wrist of a user. An alternative construction of the body 10 illustrated in particular in FIG. 1 herein, wherein the body 10 is a complete annular shaped structure. In the configuration of the body 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could either be manufactured from an expandable material or be manufactured in various sizes so as to accommodate user's wrists of different diameters.

The grief management bracelet 100 further includes a central zone 20. The central zone 20 is integrally formed with the body 10 and is located such that the central zone 20 is superposed the top outer portion of a user's wrist. This location is important as it is the intention of the present invention for the central zone 20 to be located such that the central zone 20 is within the field of vision of a user during the wearing of the grief management bracelet 100 as the wearer performs conventional movements of their arm. As the central zone 20 enters and exits the field of vision of the wearer of the grief management bracelet 100 an increased number of discrete grieving periods are provided wherein if suitable the wearer can engage in a moment of grief for a lost loved one. Secured to the central zone 20 is receptacle 30. The receptacle 30 is annular in shape and includes a bottom 32 and a wall 34 integrally formed to create interior volume 35. The interior volume 35 of the receptacle 30 is generally small in capacity. The grief management bracelet 100 is operable to provide a visual reminder of a loss of a loved one and the interior volume 35 is formed to be sufficient in size to retain a small amount of ashes and/or some other token of memorabilia that belonged to the person being remembered and grieved for by the wearer of the grief management bracelet 100. While in the embodiment disclosed herein, the receptacle 30 is formed with a bottom 32 and one wall 34, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the receptacle 30 could be formed with numerous different quantities of walls in order to create a receptacle 30 having various shapes.

Hingedly secured to the receptacle 30 is access lid 40. Access lid 40 is hingedly secured utilizing conventional fasteners and is operable to move intermediate a first position and a second position. In its first position the access lid 40 is covering the opening 37 of the receptacle 30. In its second position, the access lid 40 has been moved to an exemplary position illustrated herein in FIG. 2. In its second position, the access lid 40 is hingedly moved away from the opening 37 in order to provide access to the interior volume 35 of the receptacle 30. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the access lid 40 could be manufactured and movably secured in numerous different manners in addition to the embodiment described herein.

Integrally formed with the access lid 40 on the upper surface 41 thereof, is the thought provoking structure 50. The thought provoking structure is a three-dimensional structure that is operable to remind the wearer of the grief management bracelet 100 of a lost loved one. The thought provoking structure 50 is integrally formed to the access lid 40 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The thought provoking structure 50 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal. In one embodiment illustrated herein, the thought provoking structure 50 includes a first portion 51 and second portion 52 secured to opposing sides of the access lid 40. This aforementioned particular structure is operable to resemble a butterfly. The embodiment of the grief management bracelet 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is exemplary only, and it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the thought provoking structure 50 could be manufactured having as few as one portion or a plurality of portions that are three dimensional and operable to create a resemblance of numerous different items such as but not limited to a flower or an angel. The thought provoking structure 50 is secured to the access lid 40 so as to maintain a position wherein during the course of normal movements of a wearer the though provoking structure 50 will be within the field of vision of the wearer. This position is meant to allow the wearer to decide as to whether or not to take a moment of time and grieve for a lost loved one.

Referring to the drawings herein, a description of the operation of the grief management bracelet 100 is as follows. In use, a user will position the arm-engaging member 10 so as to be surroundably mounted to the user's wrist area. The central zone 20 is positioned such that it is located proximate the outer surface of the user's wrist area. The access lid 40 is moved from it first position to its second position so as to provide access to the interior volume 35 allowing the user to place an item therein. Subsequent placing an item within the interior volume 35 the access lid 40 is returned to its first position. During the wearing of the grief management bracelet 100, the thought provoking structure 50 is moved within the field of vision of the user so as to facilitate remembrance of a lost loved one allowing the user to decide to engage in a moment of grief and remembrance for the lost loved one.

While a particular embodiment of the grief management bracelet 100 has been described herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the grief management bracelet 100 could be formed in numerous different styles of bracelets such as cuff-style or bangle style. Additionally, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the grief management bracelet 100 could be constructed as a finger ring having all of the elements and functionality as described herein.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A grief management jewelry piece comprising: a body, said body being configured to engage a portion of a human body, said body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said interior surface being adapted to overlay skin of a wearer; a central zone, said central zone being formed with said body, said central zone being located such that it is outwardly facing from the portion of a human body to which the grief management jewelry has been secured thereto; a receptacle, said receptacle being secured proximate said central zone, said receptacle having a bottom and at least one wall forming an interior volume, said interior volume configured to receive a small object therein; and a three dimensional thought provoking structure, said three dimensional thought provoking structure being formed with said receptacle, said three dimensional thought provoking structure having a distal face wherein the distal face is operable to be within a field of vision of the wearer during the wearing of the grief management jewelry.
 2. The grief management jewelry as recited in claim 1, and further including an access lid, said access lid hingedly secured to said receptacle, said access lid having a first position and a second position, said access lid operable to provide access to the interior volume of said receptacle in said second position.
 3. The grief management jewelry as recited in claim 2, wherein the grief management jewelry comprises a bracelet.
 4. The grief management jewelry as recited in claim 2, wherein the grief management jewelry comprises a ring.
 5. The grief management jewelry as recited in claim 2, wherein said body further includes a first portion and a second portion, said first portion and said second portion further defining an opening opposedly located from said central zone.
 6. The grief management jewelry as recited in claim 5, wherein said body is manufactured from a resilient metal.
 7. The grief management jewelry as recited in claim 6, wherein the grief management jewelry provides an increased number of discrete grieving time periods.
 8. A grief management bracelet comprising: an arm engaging member, said arm engaging member being annular in shape having a center aperture operable to receive a portion of a human wrist therein; a central zone, said central zone being formed with said arm engaging member, said central zone being proximate an outer surface of a wearer's wrist area; a receptacle, said receptacle being secured proximate said central zone, said receptacle having a bottom and at least one wall forming an interior volume, said interior volume configured to receive a small object therein; an access lid, said access lid being hingedly secured to said receptacle, said access lid operable to provide access to said interior volume of said receptacle a three dimensional thought provoking structure, said three dimensional thought provoking structure being formed with said access lid of said receptacle, said three dimensional thought provoking structure having a distal face wherein the distal face is operable to be within a field of vision of the wearer during the wearing of the grief management jewelry.
 9. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 8, wherein said access lid has a first position and a second position and wherein in said second position said access lid provides access to the interior volume of said receptacle.
 10. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 9, wherein said arm-engaging member includes a first portion and a second portion said first portion and said second portion being opposedly located.
 11. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 10, wherein the grief management bracelet is a cuff-style bracelet.
 12. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 10, wherein the three dimensional thought provoking structure further includes at least two portions, said at least two portions extending from opposing sides of said access lid.
 13. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 12, wherein said receptacle is annular in shape.
 14. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 13, wherein said arm-engaging member is manufactured from a resilient metal.
 15. A grief management bracelet operable to facilitate the availability of a plurality of discrete grieving periods for a wearer comprising: an arm engaging member, said arm engaging member being annular in shape having a center aperture operable to receive a portion of a human wrist therein, said arm engaging member further including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion and said second portion having a gap therebetween wherein the gap is proximate the lower portion of a wrist are of a wearer; a central zone, said central zone being formed with said arm engaging member, said central zone being proximate an upper portion of a wrist area of a wearer, said central zone being diametrically opposite said gap; a receptacle, said receptacle being secured proximate said central zone, said receptacle having a bottom and at least one wall forming an interior volume, said interior volume configured to receive a small object therein; an access lid, said access lid being hingedly secured to said receptacle, said access lid operable to provide access to said interior volume of said receptacle, said access lid having a first position and a second position, said access lid having an upper surface; a three dimensional thought provoking structure, said three dimensional thought provoking structure being formed with the upper surface of said access lid of said receptacle, said three dimensional thought provoking structure having a plurality of portions wherein the plurality of portions include a distal face wherein the distal face is operable to be within a field of vision of the wearer during the wearing of the grief management jewelry.
 16. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 15, wherein the three dimensional thought provoking structure further includes at least two portions, said at least two portions extending from opposing sides of said access lid.
 17. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 16, wherein in said second position said access lid provides access to the interior volume of said receptacle.
 18. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 17, wherein the three dimensional thought provoking structure resembles a butterfly.
 19. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 18, wherein said receptacle is annular in shape.
 20. The grief management bracelet as recited in claim 19, wherein said arm engaging member is manufactured from a resilient metal. 